Reflections on the Champions League: Chelsea fall short once more

As Ji-Sung Park wheeled away in delight having restored his side’s two goal cushion, Chelsea’s failed Champions League attempts were overtly displayed. Given a glimmer of hope through Didier Drogba’s breakaway strike, it was snatched back seconds later as if it had never existed. Charles Harris looks back at the Blues’ European exit at Old Trafford.

The competition specialises in drama, excitement, and football of the highest quality. But also in annual heart wrenching disdain and failure, for perennially suffering Chelsea fans.

Every year as they inch ever closer, fans dare to dream, that maybe, this year might be the year. Yet the wait goes on, halted again by Manchester United, and may go on for a very long time. Sir Alex Ferguson accused Chelsea of having an “obsession with the European Cup”. Not the case, they just have a huge desire to complete the last page of a many times written final chapter. If they were to triumph, it would almost be a sense of relief rather than celebration.

Perhaps this group of players are simply destined to never be graced with European glory. The likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Ashley Cole, for so long the integral nucleus to the side, are visibly declining. Lampard was largely anonymous over the two legs, only serving to miss his side’s two best chances. Terry unable to successfully marshall a defence ripped apart by a triumvirate of ruthless attacks. Whilst Cole, poor for much of the season, has found himself constantly smothered and out run by opponents, with no evident plan B.

Ancelotti was found wanting with his team selections, and he will probably be found wanting a new job come the summer. Too often he gets the big calls wrong. Ramires should have been sacrificed for Kalou, not Anelka, and had he been, Chelsea would not have been reduced to ten men, which served as a final nail in their 2011 European coffin. Too cautious in his approach, Chelsea may as well have streamed forward in search of the two goals to take them through. 2-1, or 5-1, it makes no difference, either way, elimination is still the conclusion. If starting Fernando Torres was the plan, then he should have started against Wigan in preparation the preceding Saturday. As it was, 45 minutes was wasted, and by then it was really too late.

No doubt, over the two legs United deserved their semi final place, they taught Chelsea a lesson in efficient European progress. Transformed in defence with the return of Rio Ferdinand, and revitalised with the boundless Wayne Rooney in attack, Chelsea could not handle United’s invention and energy, displayed by the opening goal just before half time.

Stability is the key, but whilst there remains a space for one particular trophy in the cabinet, the revolving doors will remain well served. You wonder who would want the job for the right reasons. Interfering ownership, and key players with too much influence and arrogance to deal with, and the arguable distraction of a bulging bank balance. The disdain with which a succession of previous managers have been shown the door can’t instil confidence in a new one, and a lack of confidence can easily transpire to others in the dressing room. Chelsea will end the season trophy less, unthinkable after such a breathtaking free flowing start. No doubt those revolving doors at the Bridge will be busy over the summer, but one wonders how much thought will go in to the users of them.